Avon and Somerset launches video to promote ‘gadget-tracking’ apps

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has launched a video campaign promoting the use of tracking apps to help combat the increase in thefts of hi-tech gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Methods of pinpointing the location of a specific mobile device have become increasingly common since first appearing several years ago. A service launched in 2003 made it possible to locate a mobile phone on a map using the internet, as long as that phone had given authorisation to do so.

Tracking apps are now available for most operating platforms and the Avon and Somerset Constabulary video, launched at the beginning of the month, shows how simply these apps can track a stolen gadget, giving the owners a map location of their device, logging internet pages visited and even taking photos using the built-in cameras.

The video stars Bristol-based sergeant Chris Green and Neil Spiring, a police community support officer (PCSO) who also played a role as a thief in previous Avon and Somerset videos ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ and ‘See bike crime? Call 999’.

Sgt Green is urging the public to go through the user-friendly process and download from app stores and other software outlets to safeguard themselves should they become victims of theft.
He said having these devices stolen is not only a huge inconvenience, it is all the data that will be lost as well, such as contact numbers, precious photographs or important documents.

The cost to a person’s wallet and time could be considerable, warned Sgt Green.

“There are apps out there for different operating systems which work in different ways, but they usually allow people to log on remotely and see the location of the gadget,” he said. “Others can record additional data – such as photos taken on the built-in camera – so we can see who is using the machine.

“The apps will help us get the technology back and mean we can apprehend the criminals quickly – and often catch them red-handed.”